In this chapter, we describe a method to isolate and to expand multipotent adipose-derived stem (hMADS) cells from human adipose tissue. We also describe culture conditions to differentiate them into adipocytes at a high rate. This culture system provides a powerful means for studying the first steps of human adipose cell development and a route for investigating effects of drugs on the biology of adipocytes. Finally, we provide a protocol to investigate gene function during proliferation and differentiation of hMADS cells by means of siRNA-mediated gene silencing approaches or forced expression by transducing hMADS cells permissive to infection with murine retrovirus vectors.
